GWRSD Monthly Newsletter - June 20, 2025

GWRSD Superintendent Message & District Updates June 20, 2025 In this issue: Superintendent Message / Softball Champions & Graduation Pictures / Carpenter School Update / Upcoming Events Superintendent Message Thank You for a Wonderful School Year Dear Families, As the school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for the partnership, trust, and care you’ve extended to our schools over the past year. It has been our privilege—each and every day—to serve your children and be part of their learning and growth. Today, as classrooms are cleaned out and hallways grow quiet, please know we’ll be thinking of your children all summer long. Their energy, curiosity, and joy stay with us well beyond the last bell. This week, we also say farewell to several beloved staff members who are retiring. We are deeply grateful for their years of service, and they leave a lasting legacy across our schools. At the same time, many of us will continue working throughout the summer—supporting extended learning, preparing classrooms, refining curriculum, and making plans for the year ahead. The work never truly stops when you’re in the business of educating and caring for students. As you head into summer with your children, here are a few simple ways to stay connected, joyful, and present: Unplug together: Make time for screen-free moments—take a walk, read aloud, or watch a sunset. Explore locally: Visit a park, library, or community event—there’s so much to learn and enjoy right in our own neighborhoods. Let kids lead: Give your child a chance to choose the activity—it builds confidence and strengthens connection. Be curious: Ask open-ended questions and really listen—you’ll be amazed what your child shares. Rest and recharge: Slowing down together is just as important as staying busy. We wish you a safe, restful, and fun-filled summer. Thank you for being part of our school community—we can’t wait to welcome you back in the fall. I’ll close with a favorite quote from educator Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them.” Thank you for being those champions alongside us. With gratitude, Caroline Arakelian, PhD Superintendent   District Updates: Carpenter School Repairs Update I want to provide an important update regarding the repairs at Carpenter Elementary School. As noted in my previous letter dated May 15, we shared the results of asbestos testing, which were 100% negative, and we made the structural engineer’s report publicly available—both of which remain posted on the GWRSD website for your continued access and review. At the public hearing on Monday, June 16, the GWRSD School Board voted unanimously to expend up to the full amount from the Building and Maintenance Capital Reserve Trust to support the necessary repairs to Carpenter School. This strong and united vote reflects the Board’s shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Earlier this week, our insurance carrier, contractors, structural engineer, and facilities staff conducted a thorough assessment of the ceilings in the 1925 portion of the building, taking additional samples and performing detailed analysis to determine the safest path forward. Next steps include receiving bids, proposals, and timelines from contractors. We expect to have that information next week, which will allow us to better understand the scope and duration of the repair process. Once we have that, we will work closely with Carpenter School administration and staff to plan next steps and communicate details with all families. We remain committed to full transparency and timely updates throughout this process. Thank you for your patience, partnership, and the incredible support of this wonderful community. Upcoming Events 8/4 GWRSD School Board Meeting - Brookfield 8/13 Middleton School Board Meeting 8/18 GWRSD School Board Workshop Kingswood Regional High School 9/2 First Day of School   Contact information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: (603) 569-1658 sau49@sau49.org www.GWRSD.org

Friday, Jun 20 2025

GWRSD Monthly Newsletter - June 2nd, 2025

GWRSD Superintendent Message & District Updates June 2, 2025 In this issue: Superintendent Message / District Updates / Pride Month Resource Link / Upcoming Events Superintendent Message Final Weeks of the 2024-2025 School Year Dear Families, As we approach the final stretch of the school year, our district is buzzing with excitement and activity. From athletic competitions and spring concerts to transition events, field trips, and promotion and graduation ceremonies, there’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate. These special moments are a wonderful reflection of our students' growth, determination, and community spirit. At the same time, our dedicated faculty and staff continue to weave essential learning, curriculum, and assessments into these last weeks, working hard to keep focus and energy balanced as the school year winds down. We’re hopeful that the rainy days are behind us and we can fully enjoy the sunshine and joyful gatherings that mark this time of year. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, support, and communication throughout the school year. It is through our collective efforts that we are able to create meaningful learning experiences and strong relationships that help all students thrive. As we close out the year, we recognize the accomplishments that come from consistent effort and resilience. In the words of Booker T. Washington, "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and prepared for new opportunities ahead. Thank you for being part of our shared journey. Warm Regards, Caroline Arakelian, PhD Superintendent   District Updates: Family & District Communication Plan We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Parent Advisory Group for their thoughtful collaboration and dedication over the past six months in developing our district’s Communication Plan. Meeting both in person and virtually, this committed group of parents has helped craft a plan that reflects the real needs and voices of our families. The draft plan includes clear goals and concrete strategies for improving communication and building stronger partnerships between school and home, with an emphasis on creativity, accessibility, and authenticity. Most importantly, the ideas within this plan are from parents and by parents, ensuring it remains rooted in the lived experiences of our community. We invite you to review the Communication Plan Draft, and we look forward to launching new, creative ways to connect and communicate in the upcoming school year. Technology Update: Moving to a .GOV Domain We’re excited to share that the district will be transitioning to a new web domain—SAU49NH.GOV—this summer. This change is part of our commitment to improving cybersecurity, enhancing communication clarity, and streamlining digital operations across all schools. The new .GOV domain offers stronger protection and credibility. Managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), it requires federal-level identity verification, making it much harder for scammers to impersonate district emails or websites. It also simplifies communication by unifying all schools under one trusted domain, eliminating confusion caused by multiple or unofficial web addresses. Click here to learn more. In addition to security and consistency, the transition will help the district save money. Hosting will be provided at no cost through Cloudflare, replacing the annual fees we currently pay for individual school domains. The .GOV designation also opens the door to certain government grants and services available only to verified government entities. We look forward to launching this improved platform and appreciate your support during the transition. More information about the transition, including key dates and what to expect, will be shared with families in the coming weeks. NHED Literacy Landscape Survey The New Hampshire Department of Education has launched its Literacy Landscape Survey, a platform that provides parents,educators, and community members a chance to share their needs, challenges and opportunities related to literacy education in the state.  The goal of the survey is to gain an understanding of the professional learning, curriculum and resources, and assessment and support tools that would be most beneficial in the community. The insights gathered will play a key role in shaping the State Literacy Plan effectively. Public input is critical as we aim to help all students succeed on their reading journeys. This survey will remain open until June 3. Click here to take the survey. Upcoming Events 6/2 GWRSD Retirement Ceremony  6/2 GWRSD School Board Meeting - Kingswood Regional High School 6/11 MSD School Board Meeting - Middleton Elementary School 6/13 Kingswood Regional High School Graduation 6:00pm (Rain Date 6/14) 6/18 GWRSD & MES - Last Day of School (Early Release) Various Dates Grade 6 Promotions 6/19 NO SCHOOL - Juneteenth   Contact information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: (603) 569-1658 sau49@sau49.org www.GWRSD.org

Monday, Jun 02 2025

Carpenter School Structural Assessment Results

Good Morning Families and Colleagues, I’m writing to provide an important update regarding the ceiling collapse in one of our classrooms and the steps we’re taking to ensure the safety and structural integrity of our building. Following the incident, RPF Environmental conducted asbestos testing in the affected room and  confirmed that the material is negative for asbestos , ensuring there is no related health concern for students or staff. In addition, Environmental Ventures completed a structural assessment to determine the cause of the collapse and provide recommendations. Their report explains that while the original fasteners holding the heavy plaster ceilings had performed adequately for nearly a century, they have finally failed. These fasteners—either smooth square nails or horseshoe-shaped—were used throughout Area C , the oldest part of the school, built in  1925 . The full  structural and environmental reports  are available for public viewing. Please visit the  GWRSD website  and scroll down the homepage to the  "Distinctly GWRSD"  section. There you will find the  "Carpenter Structural Update"  link, which will take you to the reports. Key findings from the structural report include: The collapse occurred in Area C, which contains original ceilings with a heavy plaster/metal lath system (~10.5 pounds per square foot). Roof drainage was ruled out as a factor; roof drains are functioning properly. Moisture infiltration likely weakened the fasteners over time, contributing to the failure. Although the fasteners do not meet today’s building code, they had held the ceiling in place for decades. Similar ceiling construction is present in other parts of the building, though only Area C was found to need urgent attention . Areas A and B were inspected and showed no structural concerns. Recommendations include: Area C is currently unsuitable for reoccupation. It must be stabilized before it can be reoccupied—either by replacing the ceiling or reinforcing it with modern, corrosion-resistant materials.  Ensuring ceiling joists are not bearing additional loads beyond their own weight. Reviewing the roof ventilation system; insulation upgrades will be postponed until the impact of snow loads is fully assessed. Next Steps: Our insurance carrier, Primex , and the structural engineer will visit the school on Monday to assess the property and determine coverage. Once this is complete, we will initiate steps necessary for repairs and remediation  as quickly as possible . We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I will continue to share updates as soon as new information becomes available. With gratitude and appreciation, Caroline Arakelian, PhD Superintendent

Thursday, May 15 2025

GWRSD Monthly Newsletter - April 25, 2025

GWRSD Superintendent Message & District Updates April 25, 2025 In this issue: Administrative Announcements / Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week May 5-9 / Athletic Director Letter of Gratitude / In the News / Upcoming Events Superintendent Message Administrative Team Updates Dear Staff and Families, We are excited to welcome three outstanding educators to new leadership roles within the Governor Wentworth Regional School District. Each brings a strong background, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. Danielle Harvey – Director of Curriculum Danielle Harvey has been selected as the new Director of Curriculum for GWRSD. Danielle brings extensive experience in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and competency-based education, with prior roles in school and district-level leadership across New Hampshire. She is known for her strategic vision, collaborative style, and ability to design rigorous and accessible instruction. Her focus on innovation, professionalism, and equity will help guide curriculum development across the district. Brittany McGuire – Principal of Crescent Lake School Beginning July 1, 2025, Brittany McGuire will serve as Principal of Crescent Lake School. Mrs. McGuire is a dedicated educator and current 4th grade teacher at CLS with over 16 years of teaching experience. She has held various leadership roles within the school, including mentoring new teachers, leading orientation, facilitating curriculum, and participating in leadership training through the New Hampshire School Administrators Association. Deeply connected to the CLS community, she was the unanimous choice of the search committee for her thoughtful leadership, compassion, and commitment to student-focused decision-making. Ivy Leavitt-Carlson – Principal of Middleton Elementary School Ivy Leavitt-Carlson has been approved as the next Principal of Middleton Elementary School. Ivy brings a strong background in both teaching and administration, most recently serving as Assistant Principal and Curriculum Director at the Paul School in Wakefield, NH. She also has over 15 years of teaching experience in science and biotechnology and previously served in the Peace Corps in South Africa. Ivy’s wide-ranging experience, dedication to students, and collaborative leadership style made a strong impression on the interview committee, which included staff and family input. Please join us in welcoming Danielle Harvey, Brittany McGuire, and Ivy Leavitt-Carlson to their new roles. We are confident that their leadership will positively impact our schools and support the continued growth and success of our students and community. Warm Regards, Caroline Arakelian, PhD Superintendent   District Updates: A Letter from the Athletic Director To the Kingswood Community, I wanted to take a moment to express the gratitude of the Kingswood Regional High School and Athletic Department for your unwavering support. Navigating the unexpected budget freeze and finding solutions for the preparations, the day-to-day management of the athletic fields, and the game day operations would not have been accomplished without assistance from the community. In speaking recently with coaches, booster club members, and parents there has been confusion and concern regarding the care of the athletic fields and the potential future impact on our athletic teams. Despite the budget impact, the district's goal has been to play all scheduled home games at Kingswood. With these challenges, the Athletic Department’s focus has been on finding solutions. I am happy to share that with the help of the community we have accomplished this goal.  Community members have volunteered their time to support our Baseball, Lacrosse, Softball, and Track and Field programs. Volunteers have filmed games, run the game clock, and assisted the track and field team and with their home meet. Specifically for the Baseball and Softball teams, their individual booster clubs have collected donations for the day-to-day and pre-game field maintenance, along with coaches and athletes working to maintain the infields.  To view the list of community members and businesses who made donations please visit kingswoodathletics.org. Thank you again for your continued support of our student athletes here at Kingswood. With gratitude and appreciation, Vaughn Beckwith, MA Kingswood Regional High School Athletic Director Go Knights! In the News “Hooked on Comics” Featured on WMUR! We’re thrilled to share that Hooked on Comics, the decodable comic book series created by GWRSD educators Jackie Benson and Brittany McGuire, was recently featured on WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicle on April 15, 2025! The segment highlighted how the series is helping young readers—like the first-graders at New Durham School—build confidence and excitement around reading. Designed to align with phonics instruction, each comic targets specific decoding skills while keeping kids engaged through fun stories and vibrant illustrations. What started as a creative solution for McGuire’s own son has grown into a widely used and nationally recognized resource. McGuire writes and illustrates the comics, while Benson edits and helps share them with schools across the country. Thousands of copies have been downloaded, and the series continues to receive praise from educators and literacy experts alike. Watch the WMUR feature and see how Hooked on Comics is making a difference: 👉 Click Here to Watch NH Chronicle We’re so proud of Jackie and Brittany for their innovation, dedication, and impact—and even prouder to see their work inspiring readers far beyond our district! Celebrating Excellence: Tina Rouvalis Honored with Statewide Award We are proud to announce that Tina Rouvalis, ELL Teacher at GWRSD, has been recognized by the New Hampshire Afterschool Network as one of the top three recipients of the 2025 Out of School Time Champion Award! This prestigious honor celebrates outstanding leaders who make a lasting impact on youth and community through innovation, equity, and excellence in out-of-school time programming. Tina was selected from a highly competitive pool of nominees across the state. Her commitment to supporting multilingual families and her tireless work to ensure equitable access to Ossipee’s School’s Out program were key to her recognition. Tina’s advocacy, creativity, and compassion continue to uplift students and families in powerful ways. Please join us in congratulating Tina Rouvalis on this well-deserved recognition. We are so proud to have her as part of the GWRSD team! Upcoming Events 4/28 - 5/2 NO SCHOOL - April Recess 5/5 - 5/9 National Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week 5/5 PTO Summit Event - LRTC 5/5 Joint Boards Meeting - LRTC 5/5 GWRSD School Board Meeting - Kingswood Regional Middle School 5/14 MSD School Board Meeting - Middleton Elementary School 5/26 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day   Contact information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: (603) 569-1658 sau49@sau49.org www.GWRSD.org

Friday, Apr 25 2025

TCS January Newsletter, 2025

​ ​ TCS Happenings January 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear TCS Families- ​ It certainly has been a cold January! Despite this, TCS is always busy place of learning and fun. Scroll below to get caught up on the newest happenings and see some recent snapshots! ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Next Week is TCS Spirit Week! ​ What better time to build a little excitement and school spirit than in the middle of what has been a cold January? Next week (Jan 27-31) will be Spirit Week at TCS, which will include an optional dress up theme each day for students and staff. Here is the schedule for the dress up days: Mon, Jan 27: Sports Fan Day (wear clothes to support your favorite team or sport) Tues, Jan 28: Bring Your Favorite Stuffed Animal to School Day (stuffy should be able to fit inside the student backpack) Wed, Jan 29: Warm-Up Wednesday (wear your warm clothes for winter sports day and enjoy a treat when we return) Thurs, Jan 30: Pajama Day (wear school appropriate pajamas to school) Fri, Jan 31: TCS School Colors/Spirit Wear (wear TCS school colors of blue, white and/or yellow, or TCS spiritwear) We can't wait to share Spirit Week pictures with you soon! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Winter Sports Program Update ​ As you know, there have been a couple of very cold Wednesdays recently, thus causing the postponement of two TCS Winter Sports days. Here are the dates of the remaining (and rescheduled) Winter Sports days: January 29 February 5 February 12 THANK YOU to our volunteers! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Thank you, Tuftonboro! ​ The TCS Winter Sports Program is a big undertaking and one that has always been an important part of being a student at TCS. We would like to extend a giant THANK YOU this year to the Town of Tuftonboro for purchasing 30 pairs of ice skates for TCS students, and the Tuftonboro Parks and Recreation department for donating to the TCS Winter Sports scholarship fund. Without the help of many, this program would not be possible. Thank you! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ School Nurse Update ​ With a heavy heart, we recently said goodbye to our school nurse, Nicole Valley, as she will now be heading back to school to pursue additional credentials. We are proud of Nicole and will miss her here at TCS! Please join us in welcoming our long-term nursing substitute, Trish Ford, to TCS! We are very fortunate to have Trish as part of the TCS team. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ PTCO News ​ Please keep an eye out for the Annual PTCO Seed Fundraiser! More info in the form of a flyer & pamphlet will come very soon. Thank you for helping to support the students and programs at TCS. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ TCS Hosts February GWRSD School Board Meeting ​ It is Tuftonboro Central School's turn to host the GWRSD School Board meeting on February 3! One of the items on the agenda will include a student sharing portion and it is always great to showcase TCS students for our district! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 100th Day of School ​ It is difficult to believe, but our 100th day of school is fast approaching and will take place on Tuesday, February 11 (barring any snow days between now and then). More info to come about ways that classes and our school will be noting this milestone. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ TCS Art Show & Spaghetti Dinner ​ Mark your calendars! The first annual TCS Art Show and (free) Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 20 (with a snow date of Thursday, March 27). More info will follow as the date draws near. We are excited to host this event! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Here are a Few Snapshots of Recent Fun at TCS! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Tuftonboro Central School ​ If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via phone at (603)569-2050, email, or Parent Square. ​ ​ ​

Thursday, Jan 23 2025

GWRSD Monthly Newsletter - November 22, 2024

​ ​ GWRSD Monthly News and Updates November 22, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear Families, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Message from the Superintendent ​ Dear Families, As we move through the school year, I want to take a moment to share my deep gratitude for your ongoing support and trust. Our partnership—between families, educators, and staff—is the foundation of the success and growth we see in our students every day. This month, I’d like to reflect on a story by the beloved author Maya Angelou, which has stayed with me over the years. In her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she recounts a childhood moment when her grandmother advised her, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” She shares how, as a young girl, this simple but profound advice helped her navigate life’s difficulties with resilience. One specific memory stands out: Angelou, then just a child, felt out of place and unnoticed in a world that didn’t always see her potential. Yet, instead of retreating, she chose to embrace her unique gifts, reshaping her perspective and growing into the extraordinary voice of strength and wisdom we know today. This lesson feels especially relevant in today’s fast-paced world. It reminds us—and our children—that while challenges are inevitable, how we respond can make all the difference. Whether it’s facing a tough assignment, a disagreement, or even moments of self-doubt, resilience and perspective are tools we can all carry with us. As the holiday season approaches, let us focus on supporting one another through acts of kindness and encouragement, much like Maya Angelou’s grandmother did for her. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels valued and empowered to shine. Thank you for being an integral part of our school district. Your dedication and involvement inspire us every day. Warm regards, Caroline Arakelian, PhD Superintendent of Schools ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ In this issue: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ GWRSD Website Update: New Tipline ​ The Governor Wentworth Regional School District is pleased to announce a new feature available on all school and district websites: a floating green tab labeled “Tipline.” This tool is designed to enhance communication and allow anyone—whether a parent, student, staff member, or community member—to provide valuable information in a simple and accessible way. Through the Tipline, individuals can choose from three options: Feedback Question Make a Report The report option, which can be submitted anonymously, includes categories such as drugs/alcohol, sexual harassment, suicide threat, threats, violence/assault, weapons, or other concerns. It is important to note that this feature is not a replacement for 9-1-1 in emergencies, and this is clearly indicated on the form. All reports submitted through the Tipline will be routed directly to building and district administration for review and follow-up. This tool is intended to provide a safe and accessible way for anyone in the community to share concerns or tips that might have been difficult to share in the past. Relevant images, such as screenshots from social media, may be uploaded if applicable. The district looks forward to utilizing this resource to support a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students and families. Thank you for partnering with GWRSD in fostering strong communication and community engagement. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ American Education Week ​ As we observe American Education Week (November 18-22, 2024), we reflect on the profound impact our educators and school staff have on the lives of our students and the strength of our community. Inspired by Winston Churchill’s words, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” this week is a time to honor the dedication, compassion, and resilience of those who serve in public education. From teachers inspiring curiosity in the classroom to staff ensuring a welcoming and safe environment, every role contributes to shaping a brighter future for our students. These individuals give tirelessly of themselves—teaching, nurturing, empowering, and encouraging students to believe in their potential. Their efforts create spaces where children feel supported and capable of achieving their dreams. We recently shared a message of heartfelt appreciation with our staff, recognizing their passion and countless acts of kindness that so often go unseen. The long hours, challenges, and daily commitment they bring to our schools are instrumental in fostering a community of learning, growth, and hope. This week, we encourage everyone to join us in celebrating the educators and staff who are the heart of our schools. Their work truly transforms lives and creates opportunities for every child to succeed. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Communication Goal & Progress ​ Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the recent communication survey. Your feedback is invaluable, and the data collected will help guide our efforts to strengthen communication across the district. The results of the survey are now in, and we will begin analyzing the data in detail. Over the next few weeks, the Parent Advisory Group will convene to review the findings, develop a plan, and determine the next steps to enhance family and community communication and engagement. The district remains committed to fostering meaningful connections and ensuring all families feel informed and involved in their students' educational experience. We appreciate your continued support as we work toward these goals together. Thank you for being an essential part of our community! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Upcoming Events ​ 11/27-11/29 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Recess 12/2 GWRSD School Board Meeting - New Durham School 12/11 MSD School Board Meeting - Middleton Elementary School ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Contact information ​ ​ ​ ​ If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: (603) 569-1658 sau49@sau49.org www.GWRSD.org ​ ​

Friday, Nov 22 2024

GWRSD District Communication Survey

​ ​ GWRSD District Communication Survey October 1, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Your Input is Needed ​ We kindly ask families, staff, community members, and students to participate in our District Communication Survey. Your feedback is essential in helping us understand how we can improve communication moving forward. The survey is brief, and you can easily complete it by clicking the link or scanning the QR code provided. Your input will directly shape how we engage and share important information with you in the future. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and for your continued support of our district! ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ District Communication Survey ​ Click here or scan the QR code to take the GWRSD District Communication Survey. The survey will be active until October 15th. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Contact information ​ ​ ​ ​ If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: (603) 569-1658 sau49@sau49.org www.GWRSD.org ​ ​

Tuesday, Oct 01 2024

GWRSD Monthly Newsletter

​ ​ GWRSD Monthly News and Updates September 27, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear Families, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Message from the Superintendent ​ As we settle into the new school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated educators, administrators, and invaluable support staff. Your unwavering commitment and hard work have provided our students with an outstanding start to the academic year. From preparing our school facilities to ensuring every staff member had the support they needed, your collective efforts have created a warm and welcoming environment for our students and families on their return to school on September 3rd. It has truly been a team effort, and I am deeply appreciative of everyone’s contributions. This September, all of our schools held open house events, and the turnout was nothing short of heartwarming. The energy and enthusiasm that filled our hallways were palpable as families came together to explore our vibrant learning environments. These events provided a wonderful opportunity for staff to connect with parents and for families to gain valuable insights into our educational programs. The positive atmosphere was a testament to the strong partnership we share with our community, and I am grateful to everyone who contributed to making these gatherings so joyous and informative. Sincerely,   Caroline Arakelian, PhD   Superintendent of Schools ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ In this issue: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Winter Weather Information ​ Please read carefully the procedures we use to make the decision to either hold or cancel school. GWRSD/MSD will hold “traditional” snow days (no remote learning) when in person learning is canceled. When a weather event is anticipated, the Transportation Supervisor monitors both the Maine and New Hampshire weather forecasts beginning at 4:00 a.m. The Transportation Supervisor is in touch with the road agents in all of our communities for road conditions as well as plans for plowing, salting and sanding. The Strafford and Carroll County Dispatch also provide information regarding road conditions based on police calls and any other concerning road activity. Communication with bus drivers for conditions in their areas is ongoing throughout the morning. If the roads are not expected to be in good condition and buses cannot pass safely by the time routes normally begin but they are expected to improve to an acceptable standard within two hours, the policy is to delay school for two hours. If it is determined that road conditions will not be safe by 7:15 a.m., school will be canceled. Every effort is made to get a message to families between 5:15 a.m. and 5:35 a.m. through your chosen option(s) of voicemail, text and/ or email. If you do not receive a message please check Channel 9/ WMUR or Channel 6/ WSCH which lists the information about school closings. WOKQ also lists closings on their website, and several radio stations still broadcast the names of schools that are closed. As always, the final decision as to whether or not children come to school is up to parents. We are geographically the largest district in the state which makes it impossible for us to know the conditions on every road. Students will be allowed to make up any work that has been missed if the parent determines their child(ren) will stay home from school and the absence will be excused. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ NH DHHS: EEE Prevention ​ The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) has alerted us that a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) was reported in the state in August. In response, our district is actively removing standing water from playgrounds and around our facilities to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. We encourage you to follow NH DHHS recommendations, including wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellents, and avoiding wooded areas during dawn and dusk. For more information, please visit the NH DHHS website. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work together to keep our community safe. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ T-Mobile Hotspots ​ We are excited to share that T-Mobile is offering free mobile hotspots with 200GB of internet access per year for five years through Project 10 Million! This program is designed to provide reliable internet for K-12 students who are eligible for the National School Lunch Program, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed in their studies. In addition to the National School Lunch Program, your child may also qualify if they participate in programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Head Start, or if they are part of the foster youth, migrant, homeless, or runaway youth communities. Stay connected and empower your child's learning with this valuable resource! Click here to apply. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Family Communication Survey & Advisory ​ In our continued effort to enhance communication with our families, we will be launching a communication survey at the beginning of October. This survey is designed to gather your feedback on how you prefer to receive information from the district, as well as to assess how we have been doing so far. Your input is invaluable in helping us improve our communication strategies. In the weeks leading up to the survey, we will also be seeking parents and guardians to join an advisory committee that will analyze the survey results and collaborate on creating a comprehensive communications plan for the district. Stay tuned for more details! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Upcoming Events ​ 10/3 Open House - Middleton Elementary School 10/6 School Board Meeting - Effingham Elementary School 10/9 School Board Meeting - Middleton Elementary School 10/14 NO SCHOOL - Columbus Day (Formally Indigenous Peoples’ Day) 11/5 NO SCHOOL - Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences 11/6 Early Release - Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Contact information ​ ​ ​ ​ If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: (603) 569-1658 sau49@sau49.org www.GWRSD.org ​ ​ [Friday, Sep 27 at 2:24 PM] Edit: School Board meeting date is October 7, 2024.

Friday, Sep 27 2024